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Interviews with today's top emerging novelists
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Emerging novelists
Canadian Author Wanita May
Wanita, how did your writing journey begin?
I've always loved reading and writing but my "proper journey" began the Christmas after my father passed away. I'd been dealing with missing him and one of our last conversations we had, he told me to do not wait to do the things I wanted to - that life goes by in the blink of an eye. It stuck with me and that Christmas I began writing again ... Rae of Hope came out of that journey.
You were a successful competitive athlete on an international level. Has competitiveness fueled your writing?
Definitely. I've always been competitive, especially against myself. It makes me constantly want to be a better writer. It also gives light in understanding the competition of publishing (I hope!)
You write Young Adult and Fantasy novels. What drove you toward this genre?
I love reading YA and also Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller... all of it. So, it seemed fitting that I would write it. And to be honest, I just started writing a story and they created the story, I just wrote it down :)
I know the feeling. So tell us about Rae of Hope.
Rae of Hope is a YA Paranormal/Fantasy based in England (Guilder Boarding School). It's Rae's story, her turning sixteen and finding out a tattoo on her lower back actually has supernatural powers. She finds out her family's got a bit of a shady past and everyone at the school is like her - inked with an ability.
Throw in some good guys, some bad gals, and some uncertainty and you've got a whole mixed pot of Rae not knowing who to trust. She's got to figure out if there is a ray of hope for her own life.
Some authors say one’s first novel is like one’s first child. Is it that way with Rae of Hope?
In a weird kind of sense, yes. I do find myself watching over it and "babying" it. I've got three young kids so if Rae's my fourth now - she probably doesn't get all the attention she deserves ;) I do still enjoying reading reviews and I get all excited when someone writes or emails to say if they've enjoyed the book. The response has been very positive which is exciting.
How has being a Canadian impacted your ability to market and promote your novel?
That's a good question! I'm not sure if it has hindered or helped or not had an impact. Since this is my first published book, I don't quite know the effect. I do know that it's been challenging to get the book out in Canada but I have had loads of interest in the area I live - with a number of book signings and stores carrying Rae of Hope.
Another note is that publishing-marketing has become such a social frenzy and Internet related business, I don't think it makes a big difference where you live (at least, that is how it is at the moment for me).
What’s been the most surprising about becoming a novelist?
People I don't know coming up to me or emailing me to tell me how much they enjoyed the book. My goal is to get kids reading - each time I chat at a high school or grade school, or do a book signing, I want to encourage someone who doesn't like to read to pick up a book and ask questions about it. Then I leave them with my card and suggest they email after reading my book (or any book) and let me know what they think. Those are my favourite emails-letters.
Every kid (and big kid) has the right to dream... and a book is a wonderful place to start.
Thanks again for hosting me!
Thanks, Wanita. And best of success with Rae of Hope.
I've always loved reading and writing but my "proper journey" began the Christmas after my father passed away. I'd been dealing with missing him and one of our last conversations we had, he told me to do not wait to do the things I wanted to - that life goes by in the blink of an eye. It stuck with me and that Christmas I began writing again ... Rae of Hope came out of that journey.
You were a successful competitive athlete on an international level. Has competitiveness fueled your writing?
Definitely. I've always been competitive, especially against myself. It makes me constantly want to be a better writer. It also gives light in understanding the competition of publishing (I hope!)
You write Young Adult and Fantasy novels. What drove you toward this genre?
I love reading YA and also Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller... all of it. So, it seemed fitting that I would write it. And to be honest, I just started writing a story and they created the story, I just wrote it down :)
I know the feeling. So tell us about Rae of Hope.
Rae of Hope is a YA Paranormal/Fantasy based in England (Guilder Boarding School). It's Rae's story, her turning sixteen and finding out a tattoo on her lower back actually has supernatural powers. She finds out her family's got a bit of a shady past and everyone at the school is like her - inked with an ability.
Throw in some good guys, some bad gals, and some uncertainty and you've got a whole mixed pot of Rae not knowing who to trust. She's got to figure out if there is a ray of hope for her own life.
Some authors say one’s first novel is like one’s first child. Is it that way with Rae of Hope?
In a weird kind of sense, yes. I do find myself watching over it and "babying" it. I've got three young kids so if Rae's my fourth now - she probably doesn't get all the attention she deserves ;) I do still enjoying reading reviews and I get all excited when someone writes or emails to say if they've enjoyed the book. The response has been very positive which is exciting.
How has being a Canadian impacted your ability to market and promote your novel?
That's a good question! I'm not sure if it has hindered or helped or not had an impact. Since this is my first published book, I don't quite know the effect. I do know that it's been challenging to get the book out in Canada but I have had loads of interest in the area I live - with a number of book signings and stores carrying Rae of Hope.
Another note is that publishing-marketing has become such a social frenzy and Internet related business, I don't think it makes a big difference where you live (at least, that is how it is at the moment for me).
What’s been the most surprising about becoming a novelist?
People I don't know coming up to me or emailing me to tell me how much they enjoyed the book. My goal is to get kids reading - each time I chat at a high school or grade school, or do a book signing, I want to encourage someone who doesn't like to read to pick up a book and ask questions about it. Then I leave them with my card and suggest they email after reading my book (or any book) and let me know what they think. Those are my favourite emails-letters.
Every kid (and big kid) has the right to dream... and a book is a wonderful place to start.
Thanks again for hosting me!
Thanks, Wanita. And best of success with Rae of Hope.
"I've always been competitive, especially against myself. It
makes me constantly want to be a better writer."